Key controlled calculating mechanism



Feb. 13, 1945. 5. BRAND ETAL 2,369,430

KEY CONTRULLED CALCULATING MECHANISM Filed April 23, 1942 'r Sheets-Sheet 1 l5 I 3 k 42 50 $2 0 9 a 7 6 5 4 3 E 23 F 6'4 04.1 5 lu 1in 4/ v 1 I 82 Q M, 46

I 0 Q 7 4 I v 6 i x O 8 8 7 s 4 3 2 5k 53 40 a; a4 FIGZ. 4 52 dlm lh m 4/ 82 a 50 H g uh, k 46 57 47 44 o 0 o o I J INVENTOBS 79 M 3: MW ao W ATTORNEY Feb. 13, 1945. 5. BRAND ETAL 2,369,430

.KEY CONTROLLED CALCULATXNG MECHANISM Filed April 23, 1942 '7 Sheets-Sheet 2 ATTORNI Y Feb. 13, 1945. 5. BRAND ET AL KEY CONTROLLED CALCULATING MECHANISM Filed April 23, 1942 '7 Sheets-Sheet 3 Feb. 13, 1945.

5. BRAND ET AL 2,369,430

KEY CONTROLLED CALCULATING MECHANISM Filed April 23, 1942 'r Sheets-Sheet 4 a; 1 ENTPRS Myron Feb. 13, 1945. 5. BRAND ETAL KEY CONTROLLED CALCULATING MECHANISM Filed April 23, 1942 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 H w 5 2w w w m k u m m .w w

w w m it 9 n nm F'IGJL Feb. 13, 1945. 5. BRAND ETAL KEY CONTROLLED CALCULATING MECHANISM Filed April 23, 1942- 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 R m m 0 M I ENTEORS Feb. 13, 1945. BRAND E 2,369,430

KEY CONTROLLED CALCULATING MECHANISM Filed April 23, 1942 7 Sheets-Sheet 7 MW! 1 mvre AIR/c Armamea R26 Ina-EH k/ EJ APE R40 R4--Ei xe-ET.

as Elf/775R INVENTORS W B Y i ATTORNEY- Patented Feb. 13, 1945 KEY CONTROLLED CALCULATING MECHANISM Samuel Brand, Binghamton, and James M. Cunningham, Endlcott, N. Y., assignors to International Business Machines Corporation, New York, N. Y., a corporation of New York Application April 23,1942, Serial No..440,194 y 12 Claims. This invention relates to a key-controlled calculating machine and more particularly to improved mechanism for effecting the entry of data into accumulatingmechanisms.

The principal object oi the invention is to provide improved storage or data retaining mechanism into which an amount may be entered from a keyboard, digit by digit, and then transferred from the storage device to an accumulator r of the type in which all the digits of the amount are entered concurrently A further object of the invention is to provide improveddata entering mechanism for an accumulator, in which storage devices are provided and controlled alternately by the keyboard, which devices in turn alternately enter their data into the accumulator in such manner that, while an amount is being entered into one storage device under control of the keys, the amount previously entered into the other device is transferred to the accumulator.

A more specific object of the invention is to provide an improved data storage device which is or improved construction and which embodies novel features oi operation.

A still further object is to provide a multiple digit storage device with mechanism automatically operative upon completion of an entry therein for causing the entry to be transferred to an accumulator, and in which novel selectively settable devices are provided tocause the transierring to take place after any desired number of digital positions of the storage device have been set or controlled.

A further object. is to provide an improved keyboard mechanism. wherein the operation of any key closes a contact and the improved mechanism is provided for controlling the period of time during which the key operated contacts remain closed.

Other objects of the invention will be pointed out in the following description and claims and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, which disclose, by way of example, the principle .of the invention and the best mode, which has been contemplated, of applying that principle.

In the drawings: f

Fig. 1 is a centralsection through one or the storage devices.

Fig. 2 is a view 'sirnilar that of Fig. 1 showing certain of the parts in moved positions.

Fig. 3 is a transverse section of one oi the storage units, the section being taken substantially along the lines 3 -3 01 Figs. 1 and 4.

Fig. 3a is a pladgdetail of the restoring slide, the

view being taken in the direction of the arrows -411 01 Fig. 4.

Fig. 4 is a section looking in the same direction as the view of Fig. 1, this section being taken just inside the side frame as indicated by the lines 4-4 of Fig.- 3.

Fig. 5 is a view looking in the direction of lines 8-8 01' Fig. 1. I

Fig. 6 is a detail of the operating clutch mechanism oi the storage unit showing the clutch in its tripped or engaged position in readiness to drive the moving parts oi'the unit.

Fig, 7 is a' sectional view taken through the I keyboard mechanism showing the contacts operated by keys.

Fig. 8 is a view showing certain otthe parts of Fig. 7 in moved position, specifically, one of the keys is in depressed position to show the manner in which it effects the closure or certain-contacts. a

Fig. 9 is a detail oi a bail operating magnet,

' looking in the direction 84-9 of Fig. 11.

Fig. 10 is a rurther detail of a key operated contact, this section being along lines ill-i0 of Fig. 11.

Fig. 11 is a view of the keyboard and constitutes a view looking from the leit at the mechanism of Fig. '7.

Referring to Figs. 7 and 11,- there a... provided ten keys ll, one for each of. the digits, arranged inthree rows as shown in Fig. '1. The keys are supported between plates ii and I! in which they are suitably mounted for vertical reciprocation and normally held in their upper position by springs ii. A usual form of roller disk interlock device generally designated i 4 is provided for cooperation with extending arms or ongues on the keys, so that only one key may be depressed at a time.

Depending from each key is a hook l5 freely pivoted at ll. which lies between a fixed crossbar l1 and a pivoted contact arm it. The am It is normally urged in a counter-clockwise direction by a spring I, so that its upper end presses against an insulating block on the hook it to urge 'thehookagainstthe fixed bar 11. Upon depres- 2 .2,soo,4so

the spring I9 to rock contact arm It counterclockwise to close a related pair of contacts 20.

If the key is now released, the hook it engages under the cross-bar I1 and holds the key in its 7 lower position.

The arm l8 under the influence of the spring i8 as shown inFig. 8 has rocked the hook iclockwise to cause the lower end of the hook to engage and rock a bail 2| counterclockwise from the position shown in Fig. 7 to that shown in Fig. 8. This bail is pivoted on a rod 22 and abuts two pairs of normally open contacts designated 23 and 24 (see Figs. and 11) to cause closure of these two pairs of contacts. In line with contacts 23 is a pivoted spring pressed hook 25 (Figs. '7 and 8) which, when the contacts are closed by bail 2|, will snap over the longer blade of the contacts and latch them in closed position as shown in Fig. 8.

The downward movement of key III also causes it to engage and rock a ball 26 pivoted at 21 from the position shown in Fig. 7 to that of Fig.- 8. This bail has 2. depending finger '29 normally engaging a spring pressed pivoted latch 30. With the'bail 28 rocked clockwise by key N, the latch '30 is free to rock counterclockwise under the influence of its spring to the position shown in Fig. 10, where it engages the under side of the transverse part of bail 2|. Thus, upon depression of the key In the parts are in the posit on shown in Fig. 8 with the selected pair of contacts 20 and the contacts 23 and 24 closed. These contacts eilect the completion of circuits, as will be explained in connection with the circuit diagram.

7 Upon closure of contacts 28, a circuit will be completed to a so-called "timing magnet 3i which, upon energization, rocks its armature 32 clockwise as viewed in Fig. 9 and, throu h an and from the framework. These slides are supported and guided by an upper cross-bar 42 and a similar lower bar- 43. For each bar there isa tension spring 44 anchored at 45, which normally holds the bar in the position shown in Fig. l.

where its right end abuts a cross-bar 46. The

directio of pull of spring 44 issuch that the a bar is urged downwardly and toward the right.

For each slide 4| there is a cam lobe 41 rotatable on the shaft 48 and spaced so that, as the lobes rotate counterclockwise,-each in turn will engage a stud 49 on its associated slide to move the latter from the position in Fig, 1 to that of Fig. 2. The action is such that, as the lobe 41 engages the stud 49, the slide 4| is first moved toward the left until block 5|! in the slide engages the inclined surfaces of the bars 42 and 43, after which the slide moves obliquely upward and toward the left, in which position a slide is shown in Fig. 2.

The cam lobes 41 are rotated in steps, each step being equal to the angular distance between successive lobes so that, for the flrststep in the operation, the #1 lobe moves from the posiarm 83 secured thereto which engages bail 2| causes the latter to rock clockwise about its pivot rod 22. The effect of this is to cause opening of the contacts 24 and 24 while contacts 23 remain latched. The opening of contacts 20 is efiected through the intermediary of hook i5 which incidentally is disengaged from bar l1, so that it is free to-return to its upper position. The ball 2|, as it approaches its initial clockwise position will through extending arm' 34 (Fig. '1) engage and rock the latch 25 out of cooperation with the longer blade of contacts 23, so that these contacts may open at such time. By this means there is a slight diflerence i time of.

opening of contacts 24 and 23, whereby the latter contacts open slightly after the former.

If upon the energization of magnet 3| key I0 is held depressed, the latch 2|) (Fig. 10) will rock still further in a'counterclockwise direction to prevent the ball 2 I again moving counterclockwise when magnet 2| becomes deenergized and unwanted repeated operation of contacts 20 is thus prevented. when the key it is released to move to its uppermost position, it allows the bail 28 to rock counterclockwise under the influence of its spring and through the depending arm 29 latch 80 is rocked out of latching engagement with the bail 2|.

of the storage unit is supported between two tion of Fig. .1 to that of Fig. 2, where it comes to rest with the parts positioned as shown in Fig. 2. In the next step of operation-the #1 lobe moves to the position-designated 8 in Fig. 1, while the #2 lobe moves to the position that the #1 lobe occupies in Fig. 2, thus in turn moving the second slide 4| to its upper left hand position while at the same time the #1 slide returns to its lower right hand position. The continued counterclockwise stepping of the lobes 41 will thus in turn move each slide 4| from its lower, right hand to its upper left hand position.

Carried by each slide 4| is a series of ten brushes or contactors 5| oi resilient spring wire, each bent in an are around three ears 52 formed in the slide 4|. Each contactor 5| is longitudinally shiitable with respect to the slide between a lower and an upper position, with the tension of the wires bearing against ears 52 serving to hold the wires in either position. The wires intheir lower position may be said to he in unset" condition, and any wire in its upper position may be said to be in its set" position, with the particular wire set indicating the digit entered or set on the slide. Thus, in Fig. i the wire 5| farthest to they right is shown in its upper position to represent a setting of ion the slide shown.

Extending transversely across the slides is a series of fixed common contact bars 53 adjacent to each of which is an insulating bar 54. Also extending transversely across the slides 4| and beneath the same is a series of pivoted insulating bars or plates 56 which are pivoted at their lower extremities as shown in Figs. 4 and 341, on pins 85a extending into suitable pivot holes in the opposite sides plates 44. For each 0! these pivoted bars there is a magnet 58 and a cooperating armature I1 pivoted at B'la'and extendin upwardly into engagement with the related side frames designated 44. Between these frames are eight slides 4| insulated from each ot er bar 55, so that upon energization of magnet 58 its armature is rocked clockwise about its pivot 51a and related bar 55 is swung in a like direction so that, for example, with the 1 magnet energized, the 1 bar, 1. e. the one farthest to the right, is moved to the position shown in Fig. 2. The upper extremity of armature 61, when the armature is rocked by its magnet 58, presses. against the related plate 55, causing the plate to rock about its 'pivot pins 551: and shift from the position of Fig: 1 (for the right hand plate to position of Fig. 2. The space between adiacent plates 55 is sufllcient to enable the necessary rocking movement of the armature 51. The armatures 51 and related magnets 55 are arranged in three rows as shown in Fig. 5, so that in each row the armatures are spaced apart the distance between four plates 55 as seen in Fig. 1, where one of the rows is shown.

Positioned above the bars 55 (see Fig. 4) is a supporting bar 55 (see also Fig. 3) containing spring pressed detenting plungers 55 which bear against the bars to resiliently hold them in either their clockwise or counterclockwise positions. The bar 55, when rocked from the position of Fig. 1 to that of Fig. 2, remains in such latter position while the slide 4| returns to its lower right hand position and, as it moves to such position. the lower end of the related brush 5| strikes against the upper edge the rocked bar intercepting the movement of the brush with the slide, and as a result the brush becomes longitudinally displaced on the slide with its upper end extending up sufllciently to make electrical contact with therelated' cross-contact bar 55 to thereby establish an electrical contact between the slide II and a selected bar 53, when the slide is down.

In other words, with slide 4| in its up and to the left position, as in Fig. 2, the rocking oi a' bar or plate 55 to its upright position will bring the upper edge or the plate into the path of movement of the lower extremity of the related brush and, as the brush moves in itsreturn path, it will be intercepted and retarded against full movement with its supporting slide 4|. As a result, when the slide reaches its restored or down and to the right position, the brush 5| will have been displaced thereon as shown in Fig. 1 for the #1 brush. In brush positions where plates'55 arenot rocked but remain in their oblique positions, the brushe 5| simply pass by the upper ends of the plates without being disturbed thereby.

After the slide '4| has returned to its initial osition, the rocked bar 55 is restored to its initial position by one of the lobes of a cam 55 (Figs. 3, 4 and 6). This cam is integral with the lobes 41 and in its movement engages and rocks an arm 5| pivoted at 52 whose upp r end has pin and slot connection with slider 53 mounted fox-horizontal movement. Dependin from the slider 53 are fingers 54 (see also Fig. 3a) one for each or the bars 55, which when the slider is moved toward the left as viewed in Figs. 3 and 4 will en age and rock bar 55 and return it to its normal position, where it is held by the detenting plunger 55.

Alternate fingers 54 extend straight down in the plane of slider 55 while the remainder are oflset to extend down in a plane parallel to.

slider 53, and the plates 55 are provided with notches 55b to afford clearance for the movement of the fingers. Specifically, the finger 54 which engages a particular plate 55 normally extends into a notch 55b of the plate 55 next to the right, and it will, of course, be appreciated that if fingers 54 were made narrower, that is, about half the width shown in Fig. 4, they could be arranged in asingle plane and the notches 55b eliminated.

movement of the slide to'its upperlefthand position. In moving to this position the upper end of the brush 5| contacts the lower surface of the cross-bar 54, while the slide moves upward. This, by restraining the brush, eflfects the longitudinal displacement thereof downwardly to its normal position. Thus, for each slide there may be said to be a succession of events, that is, an entry on a slide is first reset while the slide moves to its upper left hand position. While the slide is in such position a selection is made for the next setting thereof by the rocking of an appropriate bar 55, and then as the slide returns to its initial position the selected brush takes a reading" from the shifted bar 55 and makes electrical connection between the slide 4| and the appropriatebar 55. Thereafter, the slide 55 is rocked backto its. initial position. The bar 55 in returning to its initial position also serves to restore the armature 51.

It is quite apparent from an inspection of Figs. 1 and 2 that, when any slide 4| is moved to its upper left position of Fig. 2,-the remaining slides are in their lower right position of Fig. 1, and rocking of a bar 55 to its upright position will bring the upper end of such rocked bar 55 just up to the lower ends of the brushes 5| of the slides.

that remained in the position of Fig. 1. These brushes are accordingly not disturbed, nor do they interfere with the rocking of a selected bar 55.

The mechanism for rotating or stepping the slide operating lobes 41 will now be explained. Extending through the set of cam is the shaft 45 which through any suitable driving mecha nism may be caused to rotate constantly. The shaft 45, is provided with teeth 55 which lie in the plane of a pair of pawls 55 (Fig. 6). These pawls are pivoted on studs 51 secured in thecam 55 which, as explained, is integral with the slide operating lobes 41 and is freely rotatable on the shaft 45. Also integral with cam. 55 is a cam 55 (Fig. 4) and between these two cams is 'a ring which is slightly rotatable with respect to the cams 55 and 55, being supported by the studs 51 which extend between the two cams. The ring 55 has a pair of ears II which, engage the pawls 55 as shown in Fig. 5, the pawls being bifurcated at their pivoted ends to accommodate the ears 15. It will be noted from Fig. 6 that, if ring 55 were rotated clockwise with respect to cam 55, cars 15 would rock the pawls 55 counterclockwise out of engagement with the teeth 55.

The parts 55 and '55 arenormallyheid in displaced relationship as indicated in Fig. 4, that.

is, the cam 55 is held in position'by :a sprin presseddetent arm 55a and the ring 55 is held in a clockwise direction with respect to earn 55 by the hooked end H of a lever 12 which is pivoted at 75. With the parts in the position shown in Fig. 4, shaft 45 rotates freely without effectin the operation of any of the other parts. Magnet 14, when energized, will rock its armature I5 and thereby release arm 12 so that under the influence of its spring 15 it will rock clockwise from the position of Fig. 4 to. that of Fig. 6 to release ring 55, whereupon the p'air of springs I1 will be free to rock the pawls 55 into engagement with teeth 55 and at the same time rotate ring 55 slightly in a counterclockwise direction to item]- ative position with respect to cam 55 as shown in Fig. 6. The slight rotation of ring 55 is caused by the clockwise rocking of pawl 55 whose point of engagement with car it rocks about center 51 and the are through which this point travels is the distance that ear I! and its ring 68 are moved. -In this manner a clutching action is efiected between the constantly rotating shaft 48 and the cams 88 and 88 as well as the slide operating cam lobes 41, and the cam lobes will be advanced one step or /o of a revolution. During this step of movement, a lobe of cam 68 (Fig. 4) will engage anextension on arm 12 rocking it back to its latching position and shortly thereafter another lobe of the same cam will rock the armature 15 back to its normal position so that, near the completion of its step of move- 4'! with respect to the remainder of the mech anism may be termed their "home position for purposes of further explanation, and with the cams inthis position one of the lobes 41 engages and causes the shifting of a set of contacts which are designated I8, 18 and 80 and also contacts 18a and 18d adjacent thereto as shown in Fig. 3.

These contacts are in the positions shown in Fig. 1 when the unit is in its so-called "home position and are in their reversed condition at othe times.

1. contacts 18 make before contacts 18 break.

Referring now to Figs. 1 and 2, there is mounted at the left end oi each storage slide 4| a contactlngbrush designated 82 which extends beneath a contact plate 83 (see also Fig. 5).

Spaced from plate, and insulated from it are eight individual contact elements 84, one for eachof the column positions of the storage unit and which are each positioned to be contacted moved and its brush 82 makes the electrical connection, a circuit is completed to energize a relay RI as will be traced in connection with the explanation o! the circuit diagram.

It may be pointed out that the slides 41 are insulated from each other and from the supporting framework, and that current is supplied thereto through spring 44 and thespring anchor 45 (Fig. 1), which latter is a plug socket se-' cured in an insulating cross bar as shown. In the circuit diagram (Fig. 12a) the slides are shown diagrammatically-as vertical lines terminating in plug sockets from which connections I 88 are made to sockets of contacts designated MRla. The cross bars 53 are shown as double horizontal lines and the positions in which a slide 4| is electrically connected to a bar 53 is represented by a circle at the point of intersection.

by a related brush 82 when the slide 4i is moved from the position oi Fig. 1 to that of Fig. 2. In other words, the brushes 82 on the slides are normally in lower position where the brushes are out or contacting relationship with the plates 84 and 83. ,When any slide is in its upper entry receiving position, the related brush is moved up to make an electrical connection between the common plate 83'and the individual element 84 related to that slide. The brush 82 and plates 88; 84 arejused to ascertain when entries have been .made in a selected number of slides 4|. These parts are shown diagrammatically in the circuit diagram (Fig. 122)), where the common Plate 88 is shown as a series oi common contacts and the individual plates 84 are separately wired to plug sockets. structurally, the socket is formed in plate 84 itself by a pair of ears bent in its upper end (see Figs. 1 and 5). If it is determined that, for example, six slides only are to beus'ed, then a connection 88 (Fig. 12b) is made to the plate 84 associated with the sixth slide 4!. As entries are made in the slides for the 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 positions, their brushes 82 are moved to electrically connect common plate 88' to the related plates 84 but such connections i have no eiiect. when the ,6 slide, however, is (I Accumulator The accumulator is of the well-known form known as the Hollerith" accumulator and is die.- grammatically shown in Fig. 12a, where this device isgenerally designated 85 and the entry controlling magnets are indicated at 88. As is well known, when 'these magnets are energized at differential times to represent various digits, they eflect clutching action between rotating parts to advance accumulator or indicator wheels indicated at 81 to positions representing the amount entered into the accumulator. The driving mechanism for the accumulator is diagrammatically represented as being from a constantly rotating .shaft 88 to which the drive gear 89 of the accumulator is coupled upon energization of the clutch magnet 98. When magnet 90 is energized, clutch mechanism generally designated 9| connects the gear 88 for rotation by the shaft 88. Through the usual gears 92, shaft 88 also drives a Geneva mechanism 93 which in turn drives the usual reset shaft 84. A magnet 95 upon energizetion will actuate a clutch designated 96 and cause the accumulator to be reset or restored to home position.

Circuit diagram Referring now to Figs. 12a and 12b, current is supplied to a pair of main lines 91 and 88. Operations are commenced by first effecting a resetting operation or theaccumulator to insure that it is clear and by also eflecting a clearing or restoration of storage unit #1 which is the first to receive an entry. As a preliminary, it is determined how many columns of storage units are to be employed, and for the present explanation it will be assumed that six columns are to receive entries and the other remaining two are not. Accordingly, plug connections 99 and 100 in Fig. 12b are made from plug sockets IOI and "12, respectively, to the contact elements 84 related to the sixth columnar position of the two units. The circuits involving these plug connections will be pointed out later;

As stated above, a reset operation is first carried out. This is initiated by closure of a pair 01' resetcontacts designated [83 in Fig. 12a which complete a circuit through the reset magnet 95 and also through a, relay magnet R4. As a result, the clutch 88 is engaged and the indicating wheels 81 of the accumulator are restored to home position it they are not already in such position. It may'be explained at this point that driven from the gear 89 (Fig. 12a) are a number of contact operating cams suillxed CC and a concycle of operation of the accumulator. The timing of the contacts controlled by these cams is indicated in Fig. 13 where there is also indicated the timing of an emitter which is also operated from the driven gear 89 when the accumulator is operated. In the circuit diagram two storage units are represented. both of which are exactly alike structurally. In Fig. 12b the entering magnets 56 are shown for the two units and designated unit 1 and unit 2. A single set of keys has itscontacts wired to both sets of magnets for concurrent energization of both related magnets for any digit, although as will be pointed out hereinafter the sets of magnets are alternatively effective to enter the data in their respective storage units. In Fig. 12a are shown the two readout devices ll, 53 designated unit 1 and unit open, then upon energization of relay magnet R! and the closure thereby of its contacts Rle (Fig. 120) a circuit is completed from line 91, contacts Rle to energize a relay magnet R which by closure, of its contacts Rlib completes a circuit through the holding coil of the relay and, contacts 19 related to storage unit #1. It may be mentioned at this point that unit #2 does not have a pair or contacts 19. The magnet R5 closes a second pair of contacts Rid (Fig. 12b) so that a circuit is now traceable (when the reset key is released to deenergize relay magnet R4) from line 91, contacts Ric, R50, 19a of unit #1 to clutch magnet of unit #1. As a result the unit is operated to bring the slide ll of the first column, into its entry receiving position, and.

thus is held continuously energized until the unit is stepped ahead to home position wherein its contacts 18 open. At this time contacts 19 close to hold relay R5 energized, so that upon deenergization of relay R4 the circuit to magnet 14 of 'unit #1, as traced above, is completed to step the first slide to its entry receiving position. This conditions the apparatus so that the first digit entered will go into the first column slide 'of unit #1. Likewise if unit #2 is out of home position closure of contacts R4b (Fig. 12b) will hold the related magnet 14 energized until its unit #2 also is in home position, the magnet R4 being held until the contacts 18 of both units are opened. Unit #2, however, does not advance the step beyond home position as for unit #1.

It is to be noted that, when unit #1 arrives at its home position, its contacts 19 make to conplete the holding circuit for magnet R5 through the contacts R5b (Fig. 12a) just before the contacts 18 open. .Thus, when contacts 18 open to deenergize magnet R4, its contacts R40 (Fig.

- 12b) close and the circuit to clutch magnet 14 of unit #1 is completed to maintain the magnet ll energized for an additional step to advance the first slide to its entry receiving position. The timing of the'co-ntactsfll, 19 of unit #1 is not critical, however. slnce f upon breaking of the circuit to magnet R4 inert -.oi the armatures of the magnet and residual m netism provide a brief lag in the opening of con cts Rle to keep relay R5 energizeduntil contacts IQ of unit #1 close to establish the holding circuit traced.

Let it be assumed that with both units in home position the first amount to be entered is 153028. After the reset key operation is eilected as explained, during which unit #1 is stepped ahead 1 to advance its first slide to entry receiving posiin moving to such position the contacts I9 and" 19a and so are opened while the contacts 18 and 1811' are closed. Obviously, opening or contacts I9 of unit #1 will deenergize relay R5 to prevent reenergization of clutch magnet 14. These contacts thereafter remain in this condition until the unit has been advanced under entry key control up to its home position again.

It will be noted that upon closure of the reset key contacts I03, magnet R4 is energized, and

, through its contacts Rle magnet R5 is energized .and the latter magnet is then held-energized I R3b, the #1 contacts 20, and the #1 storage unitcontacts Ill closed, and until they are released to open again the clutch magnet circuit traced will not be completed since this is dependent upon reclosure of contacts Ric (Fig. 12b). This insures that whether the reset key contacts are just momentarily closed or held closed for a ,longer period, only one energization of clutch bya circuit from line O1, contacts ll, Rid, magnet Rl to line OB. This will holdcontacts Rte (Fig: 121)), shifted to complete a circuit from cordingly closes the 1 contacts 20 (Fig. 1211).;

Concurrently, the contacts 23 and 2d are also closed. The contacts 20 complete a circuit from line 91, through normally closed relay contacts setting magnets 58 of both units. However, only that of unit #1 is effective sinceunit#1has itsflrst column in receiving position and unit #2 is in home position, with the result that the slidable brush of column #1 will be shifted to its entry representing position when the first column slide -is a circuit traceable from the line 91 to the second pair of keyboard contacts 23,'relay magnet contacts R311 (left), keyboard magnet II to line 98. As explained, the keyboard magnet opens contacts use that the circuit through the clutch magnet is interrupted after initiating a line !I, contacts Rla (left), contacts Ilaof unit #1 to clutch magnet 14 or unit #1. Magnet 14,

step 01 advance of the unit. This advance, as also explained, results in the shifting of the '1 wire in the column 1 slide and at the same time moves the column 2 slide to entry receiving position.

Successive operations of the key representing the digits 5, 3, 0, 2, 8 will in turn complete these same circuits to successively enter such digits into the first six slides of stor -seunit #1. when the sixth column slide moved to-its upper or entry receiving position. its brush l2 electrically bridged contacts 18a, magnet 14, to line 98.

the common plate 83 and the individual conductor 94 of this column, which is the one in which the plug connection 99 has previously been made. Therefore, when the 8 key III is now operated to make the sixth and last entry into the unit, the clutch circuits as traced before will be completed. In addition, there will be a further circuit at this time traceable from line 91, contacts R312, and 24, the common plate 83 of unit #1, brush 82 of column 6, contactor 8d, plug connection 99, plug socket IIlI, relay magnet R! to line 98. R! will close its contacts Rt? to provide a circuit through its holding coil traceable from line 9i, cam contacts 004, contacts Rlf, holding coil of magnet RI to line 98. This cir cult will be held until the amount now entered in storage unit #1 has been transferred to the accumulator. Since no entries are to be made in the 7 and 8 columns of the storage unit, ci umn are automatically passed over and unit brought back to home position in Zol lowing manner.

Relay magnet Rt, when energmed, shifts its contacts Rio, and completes a circuit from line 91, contacts Rio (left), contacts R40. (right), Therefore, this clutch magnet 14 is held continuously energized until the unit has been stopped to its home position wherein contacts 180 open to break the circuit leaving the unit in this position. The energization of magnet RI also serves to bring storage unit #2 into its starting position with the first column in entry receiving position. This is effected as follows. The magnet RI closes a pair of contacts Ric and completes a circuit from line 91, contacts RIc, R2b (right), contacts 19a of unit #2, clutch magnet ll of unit #2. This impulse to the magnet moves its column 1 slide to the upper position and also opens the contacts 19a.

The speed of operation or rate of rotation of the cam unit is such that unit #1 is advanced to its home position before the operator presses the next key to enter the first digit of the second amount. Further than this the speed at which the keys may be operated is limited by the interlocks described, including key release magnet 3|, so that even where the plug connections are ad- Justed for single digit entries, the seven unused slides will be skipped and the unit brought to home position between successive operations. In practical operation also, there is generally a pause between successive amount entries which increases the allowable time interval. Such interval is, however, not critical so that, if the stepping operation proceeded at a slower rate, the operation of an entering key before the unit had reached home position might eifect a digit setting in one of the unused slides in addition to the setting in the proper slide of the alternate unit. This would have no effect on the operation, since the unused or skipped slides are not connected for control of the accumulaton and any such setting would be erased following the next amount entry in that unit.

From this point on the operator depresses the keys I to enter a second amount into unit #2 which, for example, let us assume is the amount 647325. The circuits previously completed from the key contacts to storage unit #1 clutch magnet ll, through wire I04, will now not be completed because the relay magnet RI is energized and the contacts Rla are shifted to break the circuit to wire I04. Instead, the key contact circuit are traceable from line 91, contact Rib,

24, wire I to contacts R2a (right), contacts Rlb (right), "a of unit #2, clutch magnet 14 and line 98. Repeated operation of the appropriate keys will effect the entry of the amount mentioned into the storage unit #2.

The magnet RI closes a pair of contacts Rld (Fig. 12a) which complete a circuit from line 91, contacts CCI, contacts Rld, contacts 30 of unit #1, the accumulator clutch magnet 90 to line 98. This circuit is completed when unit #1 is back in its home position, wherein the contacts 8B are closed and with magnet 90 momentarily energized the accumulator will effect a cycle of operation during which the cam contacts and emitter operate.

The magnet Ri also closes a pair of contacts to complete a circuit from line 97, through contacts Ric,- magnet MRI to line 98. lviagnet liiRi closes its contacts MR'lb to provide a holding circuit through cam contacts C63 and the holding coii oi the magnet. It also closes a group of contacts designated MRIa to enable the completion of transfer circuits from storage unit #1 to the accumulator magnets 85, during this cycle of operation of the accumulator. In Fig. 12a the grid formed by the bars 53 and slides H is diagrammatically represented and the cir cles at the points of intersection indicate the positions in which brushes have been adjusted in accordance with the setting of the amount 153028 previously entered. As the emitter and cam contacts now rotate, parallel circuits are completed through all the columns of the unit to energize the accumulator magnets at times appropriate to the entry of the various digital values into the accumulator. A representative circuit is traceable from line 91, contacts CB, brush of emitter designated E, wires I95, common bars 53. the brushes 5| in the positions designated, slides 4|, plug connections I09. contacts lviRIa, wire I01, magnets 88 to line 98. With magnets 89 thus energized at differential times, the accumulating elements will be advanced in the well known manner. After the entering portion of the 'cycle, contactslCCa, open to deenergize magnet MRI and contacts CO4 also open to deenergize magnet RI. This transfer into the accumulatorfrom storage unit #1 takes place while the operator is making an entry in unit #2. Assuming that the transfer is completed before the second amount is entered into storage unit #2, then when the entry is made in the sixth column of this unit a circuit is completed similar to that traced for unit #1 which ener izes the relay magnet R2 through the plug connection I00 made to the sixth column conductor 84 of unit #2. This magnet in turn closes its contacts R21 to provide a holding circuit through cam contacts 005. Now magnet R2 closes its contacts RM 50 that the accumulator clutch magnet 90 is energized through the circuit from line 91, contacts CCI, R2d, contacts 80 of unit #2 when this unit has been advanced to its home position, magnet 90, to line 98.

If the transfer is not completed from unit #1 before a new amount is set in unit #2, magnet R2 is energized while RI is still energized and is held by a circuit through contacts RH and C05 and also by a parallel circuit through R21 and MRIc. When contacts CC4 and CO5 open together magnet R2 remains energized over the energized and its contacts are (Fig. 12a) will enable contact CCI to again energize the accumulator clutch magnet 22. Likewise if the ensuing transfer from unit #2 is not completed before a new amount is set in unit #1 magnet RI will be energized and will be held through contacts MRZc to bridge the open period of conof unit #2, magnet I4 to line 98. This circuit.

is broken whenv the unit reaches home position and Opens contacts 18a, at which time also the contacts 80 of unit #2 close, so that the accumulator clutch magnet may be energized. Re-

lay R2 closes its contacts R2c(Fig. 12 i so that, when relay RI is deenergizedf a circuit is completed from line 91, contacts R20, RIb, contacts 19a of unit #1, magnet It to line 98. Thus, magnet .I I of unit #1 is stepped .to its starting position in readiness to receive further entries, it being remembered that, whenever a slide is moved upward, any previous entry therein is automatically erased.

Thus, it is seen that each storage unit receives digital entries up until the selected columnar position is reached, at which time it-is automatically advanced to home position and upon reaching such home position a cycle of operation of the accumulator is initiated during which receive entries, there must be one entry made in each of the selected columns.

If the operator depresses a key while the sig- -nal lamp I08 is illuminated, this key will be latched down preventing further key depression because of the mechanical key interlock. Such depression, as explained, will close contacts 23 whose normal function is to energize the keyboard magnet-3I which it can not now'do, since contacts R31: are shifted to open the circuit to magnet 3|. Instead, a holdin circuit is now set up from line 91, contacts 23, contacts R3a .(right), release key contacts I09, holding coil of magnet R3 to line 98. Accordingly, if the key is depressed with the signal light on, such key islatched down and the circuit to the digit bail magnet 56 is not completed nor to the unit clutch magnet I I. The operator must wait until the acting relay, allowing time for the keyboard magcycle the amount in the storage unit is transferred to the accumulator. Each unit in turn also through its related relay. RI or R2 conditions the other unit-to receive a new amount by advancing the other'unitfrom its home position to its starting position. In the case of storage unit #2, the relay magnet MR2 is energized through th relay contacts RR, and through circuits paralleling those which energize the relay magnet MRI.

The cycle of operation in the accumulator is very rapid so that, where the amount entered are of more than two or three positions, the transfer from the unit is completed and the unit in readi- I ness to receive a new amount before the entry is completed into the other unit.

the time. when a new amount is to be entered therein.= This would be indicated by the energl-, zation of both magnets RI and R2. For example. with an amount entered in storage unit #1 and contacts CO4 still closed when the amount is fully entered in unit #2, magnet R2 would then also be energized while magnet RI is still energized. With magnet RI and R2 energized, a

circuit is traceable from line QIQcontacts Rlc;

R2b .(left), relay magnet R3 toline 98. A paraliel circuit also extends through a signal lamp NIB-which indicates to-the operator that neither storage unit is inreadiness to receive the next entry. Magnet R3 opens its contacts Rib so that the circuit to the key contacts is interrupted. Upon completion of the accumulator cycle, either magnet RI or R2 will be deenergized, deenergizlng the magnet R2, so that subsequent key operation will enter the next amount into the appropriate storage unit. It'will be observed that, when any given number of columns of a unit is selected to 15 minus, each net 2i to operate in the event both magnets RI and R2 are both energized, since as pointed out above such energization of the magnets RI and Y R2 takes place upon closure of the key contacts 20 and such key, whose operation energized magnet RI or R2, would be the one representing the last digit of the amount, so it is necessary to release this key before the concurrent energization of both magnets can disable the circuit for the magnet 3|. After the last amount has been entered in a storage unit and transferred, these last amounts remain set in the storage unit and will be cleared when subsequent entries are made.

the invention as applied to a single modification.

it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes in theform and details of the device illustrated and in its opera.-

1. In combination, a storage mechanism hav ing multiple columns of entry receiving elements, an entry receiving device, transferring means for concurrently transferring entries from the elements of the storage mechanism to saiddevlce. operating means for said transferring means, a

set of keys, means controlled thereby for effecting entries into said columns of storage mechanism elements in-successive order, each key operation effecting an entry in one column of elements, settable means for predetermining the number of columns of elements, to receive entries, means controlled jointly by said storage;

mechanism and. said keys, when the predetermined number of columns of elements have received entries, for rendering said transfer operating means effective and further means controlled by said last named means for conditioning the storage mechanism to receive subsequent entries beginning with the first of the said predetermined number of columns rat-elements.

2. In combination, a pair of like storage mechmultiple of entry receiving elements, a single set of keys, means responsive to successivekey operations for effecting entries into the columns of elements of one storage mechanism in successive order, presettable means, means controlled thereby and effective upon entry into a predetermined column of said one storage mechanism for causing said entry effecting means to respond to subsequent key operation to eifect entries into the elements of the first column of the second storage mechanism, preset-table means and means controlled thereby and effective upon entry into a predetermined column of said second storage mechanism for causing said entry effecting means to respond to subsequent key operations to again effect entries into the first column of elements oi! the first storage mechanism.

3. A storage mechanism for an accounting machine, comprising a plurality of columnar slldm, each having a plurality of digit representing brushes thereon, each brush being displaceable on its slide from an active to an inactive position, means for eflecting a reciprocation of each slide in turn, means effective during'the forward stroke of each slide for returning the brushes thereon to their inactive positions and selectively operable means effective during the return stroke of the slides for causing the selective movement of any brush on the slide to its active position.

4. The invention set forth in claim 3 in which each brush comprises a flexed wire, the displacement thereof from one position to another is in the direction of the axis of the wire, the fiexure of the wire serving to resiliently hold the same in position and in which a contact element is provided and located adjacent to the path of a brush, said means for effecting a reciprocation being constructed to effect relative movement between the contact element and brush during the return stroke of the slide to cause the displaced brush to engage the contact element and effect an electrical contact therewith.

5. In a storage mechanism for an accounting machine, a slide, means for reciprocating the slide, a contact wire-supported on the slide for axial movement thereon between an active and an inactive position, a stationary stop located for "ngagement by one end of the wire during the orward stroke of the slide to shift the wire to its inactive position, a movable stop positionable in the path of the opposite end of the wire for engagement thereby during the return stroke of the slide to shift the wire to its active position and means for selectively controlling the operation of said movable stop.

8. In a device of the class described, a set of keys a pair or contacts for each key, closed thereby, a pair of contacts common to all keys,

closed concurrently with the closure of the indlvidual pair of contacts, a. latch to hold the common pair of contacts closed, a magnet, a circuit completed therethrough by said common pair of contacts and means controlled by said magnet for Opening the individual pair of contacts and concurrently releasing said latch to open the common pair of contacts whereby'thef period of closure of the pairs of common and individual contacts following their initial closure is determined by the time required toenergize said magnet.

7. The invention set forth in claim 6 in which a second latch is provided and rendered effective upon initial energization of the magnet and upon continued operation of a key for latching the common and individual pairs of contacts against reclosure upon deenersization of the magnet.

8. In a machine of the class described, a pair of storage units, a single set of keys, means controlled by said keys for effecting amount entries into said units digit by digit, alternate amounts being entered in alternate units, readout means for each unit, means settable for each unit for predetermining the number of digits to be entered in the related unit, an accumulator, means controlled by the settable means of each unit upon completion of an amount entry therein for causing its readout means to control said accumulator and means for preventing further entries into either unit until the related readout has controlled the accumulator.

a. In combination, a pair of storage mechanisms each having multiple columns of entry receiving elements, means for effecting entries into the columns of elements of one storage mechanism and then into the columns of elements of the second storage mechanism, presettable means for each mechanism, each settable in accordance with the number of columns of elements to be received by the related storage mechanism, readout control mechanism for each storage mechanism, readout mechanism controlled thereby,

10. In a device of the class described, a series of storage slides each movable separately from a normal position to an entry receiving position, operating means for moving the slides, said means being intermittently operable to move the slides in successive order, means for initially controlling said operating means to cause positioning of all the slides in their normal positions, means controlled in part by said operating means when all the slides are in their normal position for moving the first slide in the series to its entry receiving position, settable elements on the slides, means for setting said elements, presettable means adjustable in accordance with a predetermined number oi successive slides that are to have elements thereon set, a plurality of operable control devices, one for each of the digits. means eifective upon operation of any control device when a slide is in entry receiving position for causing the setting of an element on said slide, and for causing said operating means to thereafter return said slide to normal position and move the next slide to its entry receiving position, and means Jointly controlled by said presettable means and said operating means when elements have been set on said predetermined number ofsli des for causing an uninterrupted operation of said operating means to move all remaining slides in succession to their entry receiving position and then back to normal position.

aseaeso h 9 a fixed line and then in a direction at an ansle to said fixed line when the slide is moved by its related cam, a spring on each slide for restorins the same, said guide causing the slide to retrace its path of movement when restored by said spring, positionable devices carried by the slides and adjustable thereon to represent data, and

means for causing positioning of said devices, during the restoration of the related slides.

12. The invention set forthin claim 11, in 10 which a constantly operating driver is provided for said shaft, coupling means between the shaft and said cams, means to cause said coupling means to couple the cams to the shaft for stepby-step rotation 01 the cams, whereby a single slide is moved for each coupling operation, and means for causing the coupling means to couple the cams to the shaft for uninterrupted driving, whereby a plurality of slides will be moved in uninterrupted succession.

SAMUEL BRAND.

JAMES M. CUNNINGHAM. 

